The donations of the Greeks in Australia and America, for three out of the four ambulances that currently exist on the island of Kos in Greece, seem to have gone to waste, after a tragic incident.

A 63-year-old woman died on the back of a farm truck, as there was no ambulance available to take her to hospital.

Speaking to Greek TV channel SKAI the woman’s nephew mentioned that the unfortunate incident took place during her granddaughter’s birthday party, last Sunday, June 4.

Suddenly, she experienced a severe headache and collapsed.

While doctors that happened to be at the scene provided first aid, the family called for an ambulance, only to be informed that the only available EKAV ambulance was occupied with another emergency.

As a result, it was decided that the 63-year-old woman, would be transported to the hospital using a non-medical vehicle (farm pick-up truck), accompanied by a patrol car to expedite the process.

However, due to ongoing roadwork at the town’s entrance, the vehicle could not get to the hospital quickly, further delaying medical intervention.

Despite the hospital staff’s efforts to revive the woman, it was already too late.

The woman’s nephew further highlighted the significant shortages of medical personnel in Kos hospitals.

Critical specialties such as pathologists, pneumonologists, and cardiologists are reportedly absent from the island’s healthcare system.

Consequently, many residents are forced to seek medical care in Turkey, where private medical facilities are available.

This tragic incident in Kos is not an isolated case illustrating the strained state of the Greek healthcare system.

Another instance involved a 19-year-old pregnant woman in Nea Makri, Attica, who passed away due to alleged delays in ambulance services.

According to the information provided by SKAI, last Tuesday, June 6, the young woman began experiencing intense abdominal pain early in the morning.

The woman’s husband and relatives promptly contacted the emergency services and made a request for an ambulance at around 8:30 am.

The ambulance did not arrive until after 1:00 pm. Following the prolonged delay, the woman was transported to the Nea Makri Health Centre, where both she and her unborn baby were pronounced dead.

According to reports, the ambulance was delayed by up to five hours, and the family claims that the woman was still alive when the ambulance finally arrived.

Furthermore, it is perplexing that she was transferred to a health centre rather than a hospital in Athens. The exact cause of her death is yet to be determined.

The incidents within, days of each other, have placed a spotlight on the strained condition of the Greek healthcare system, with shortages of medical staff and delays in emergency services.